Telescoping frame system for portable home or other structure

ABSTRACT

A wheel assembly for use with a telescoping frame, the wheel assembly comprising a top plate and a bottom plate through which a pin extends. The telescoping frame comprises at least one skid that extends longitudinally to term an underside of the non-telescoping frame. A loop member is attached to a top end of the skid. The wheel assembly slides onto the loop member with the bottom plate resting on top of the loop member. When the wheel assembly is installed, the pin is situated inside of a boot end of the loop member to prevent the wheel assembly from moving forward on the loop member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/951,826 filed on Jul. 26, 2013 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/897,390 filed on May 18, 2013. The '826 application is a continuation-in-part of the '390 application, and the latter application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/674,641 filed on Nov. 12, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,555,558). The contents of the '826 and '390 applications are incorporated herein by reference as if only set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OP THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of portable structures, and more specifically, to a telescoping frame system for a portable home or other structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

Telescoping structures have existed for some time, but the present invention is unique in that it provides a telescoping frame with two roller wheels and two pivoting arms that hold the structure securely whether it is in an extended or retracted position. The telescoping frame of the present invention also tightens the structure, locking the second half of the structure into the first half when the structure is in a fully retracted position. In addition, the telescoping frame accommodates electric and communications cabling and can be used with a manual or electric actuation system.

Other examples of prior art systems for foldable, movable or collapsible structures include U.S. Pat. No. 113,476 (Williams, 1871); U.S. Pat. No. 3,060,521 (Greco, 1960); U.S. Pat. No. 3,719,386 (Puckett et al., 1973); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,368 (Okada, 1994). Additional references are cited in the Information Disclosure Statement submitted in connection with this application and are incorporated by reference herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a wheel assembly for use with a telescoping frame, the wheel assembly comprising a top plate and a bottom plate through which a pin extends; wherein the telescoping frame comprises at least one skid that extends longitudinally to form an underside of the non-telescoping frame; wherein a loop member is attached to a top end of the skid; wherein the wheel assembly slides onto the loop member with the bottom plate resting on top of the loop member; arm wherein when the wheel assembly is installed, the pin is situated inside of a front end of the loop member to prevent the wheel assembly from moving forward on the loop member.

In a preferred embodiment, the loop member has a height, the wheel assembly further comprises a roller wheel and two side walls, the roller wheel rotates on a shaft that extends between the two side walls, the side walls extend from the shaft to the top plate, there is a distance between an underside of the bottom plate and a top surface of the roller wheel, and the distance between the underside of the bottom plate and the top surface of the roller wheel is at least equal to the height of the loop member.

In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a wheel assembly for use with a telescoping frame, the wheel assembly comprising a too plate, an intermediate plate through which a pin extends, and a bottom plate; wherein the telescoping frame comprises at least one skid that extends longitudinally to form an underside of the non-telescoping frame; wherein a loop member is attached to a top end of the skid; wherein the wheel assembly slides onto the loop member with the intermediate plate resting on top of the loop member; and wherein when the wheel assembly is installed, the pin is situated inside of a front end of the loop member to prevent the wheel assembly from moving forward on the loop member.

In a preferred embodiment, the loop member has a height, the wheel assembly further comprises a rotatable housing that is rotatably connected to the bottom plate, the rotatable housing comprises a roller wheel and two side walls, the roller wheel rotates on a shaft that extends between the two side walls, there is a distance between the intermediate plate and the bottom plate, and the distance between the intermediate plate and the bottom plate is at least equal to the height of the loop member. Preferably, the invention further comprises a handle that is removably attached to the rotatable housing.

In another alternate embodiment, each of the top plate and the bottom plate comprises a front end, the front ends of the top and bottom plates are attached to a vertical plate, and a bottom end of the vertical plate is attached to a first horizontal plate that extends rearward of the vertical plate toward a front end of the skid.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a gusset that is attached to a center of a top portion of the vertical plate, and a second horizontal plate that is positioned beneath the gusset and extends forward of the vertical plate. Preferably, the invention further comprises: a rotatable housing comprising a ceiling plate and two side walls, the rotatable housing being rotatably attached to the second horizontal plate; and a wheel that rotates on a shaft extending between the two side walls of the rotatable housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position.

FIG. 2 is a second top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position.

FIG. 4 is a first top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm to a partially extended/partially retracted position.

FIG. 5 is a second top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a partially extended/partially retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a partially extended/partially retracted position.

FIG. 7 is a first top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 8 is a second top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the brace arm of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a detail perspective view of the brace arm in a brace position.

FIG. 10B is a detail perspective view of the brace arm removed from the brace position.

FIG. 10C is a detail perspective view of the brace arm in a transport position.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the present invention with the pivot arms at a forty-five (45)-degree angle relative to the main arm.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the present invention with the pivot arms at a forty-five (45)-degree angle relative to the main arm

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the present invention with the pivot arms in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the present invention with the pivot arms in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 15 is a detail perspective view of the pivot arms stowed on the center bracket of the main arm.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the pivot arm of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the roller wheel and roller wheel bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a detail side view of the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm shown with the pivot arm fully extended.

FIG. 19 is a section view of the pivot point shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a detail side view of the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm shown with the pivot arm at a forty-five (45)-degree angle relative to the main arm.

FIG. 21 is a section view of the pivot point shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a detail side view of the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm shown with the pivot arm fully retracted/stowed.

FIG. 23 is a section view of the pivot point shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a detail perspective view of the pivot point shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 25 is a detail perspective view of the pivot point shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 26 is a detail perspective view of the pivot point shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

FIG. 27 is a first top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position and with a manual actuation system.

FIG. 28 is a second top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position and with a manual actuation system.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position and with a manual actuation system.

FIG. 30 is a first bottom perspective view of the present invention shown with a structure on top of it.

FIG. 31 is a second bottom perspective view of the present invention shown with a structure on top of it.

FIG. 32 is a detail perspective view of the roller wheel on the pivot arm with the main arm in a fully extended position.

FIG. 33 is a detail perspective view of the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm shown with the pivot arm fully extended.

FIG. 34 is a detail bottom perspective view of the present invention showing the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm.

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of the main arm, roller wheel and pivot arm.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the present invention with three pivot arms and two actuators.

FIG. 37 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the present invention with four pivot arms and two actuators.

FIG. 39 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the present invention with four pivot arms and three actuators.

FIG. 41 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention without the rectangular perimeter frame and with two pivot arms and one actuator.

FIG. 43 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention without the rectangular perimeter frame and with three pivot arms and two actuators.

FIG. 45 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention without the rectangular perimeter frame and with four pivot arms and two actuators.

FIG. 47 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention without the rectangular perimeter frame and with four pivot arms and three actuators.

FIG. 49 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a top perspective view of the present invention with the first embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 51 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 52 is a side view of the present invention with the first embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 53 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention with the first embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 54 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 55 is a bottom perspective exploded view of the first embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 56 is a top perspective view of the present invention with the second embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 58 is a side view of the present invention with the second embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention with the second embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 60 is a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 61 is a bottom perspective exploded view of the second embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 62 is a top perspective view of the present invention with the third embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 63 is a detail perspective view of the third embodiment of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 64 is a section view of the third embodiment of the wheel assembly.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Non-telescoping frame

2 Main arm

2 a Hole (in main arm)

3 Pivot arm

3 a Upper-support (of pivot arm)

4 Brace arm

4 a Center extension (of brace arm)

4 b First end extension (of brace arm)

4 c Second end extension (of brace arm)

5 Rectangular perimeter frame

5 a Longitudinal side (of perimeter frame)

5 b Lateral side (of perimeter frame)

6 Forklift pocket

7 Skid

8 Cable tray

9 Cabling

10 Motor

11 Linear actuator

12 Attachment arm

12 a Hole (in attachment arm)

13 Cable tubing

14 Roller wheel

14 a Roller wheel bracket

14 b Upwardly extending pin

14 c Axle (of roller wheel)

15 Stop

16 Saddle bracket

17 Center bracket

17 a Supporting bracket

18 Pin/bolt

19 Receptacle

20 Threaded bolt

21 Nut

22 Sleeve (on attachment arm)

23 Sleeve (on main arm)

24 Lateral tube

25 Lateral rectangular conduit

26 Longitudinal surface

27 Loop member (on skid)

28 Wheel assembly (first embodiment)

29 Top plate

30 Bottom plate

31 Pin

32 Side wall

33 Roller wheel

34 Rear-most end (of first embodiment of wheel assembly)

35 Wheel assembly (second embodiment)

36 Handle

37 Top plate

38 Intermediate plate

39 Bottom plate

40 Rotatable housing

41 Pin

42 Roller wheel

43 Side wall

44 Bolt

45 Opening (in rotatable housing)

46 Hitch pin

47 Rear-most end (of second embodiment of wheel assembly)

48 Bottom plate

49 Top plate

50 Vertical plate

51 First horizontal plate

52 Gusset

53 Second horizontal plate

54 Rotatable housing

55 Ceiling plate

56 Side wall

57 Bolt

58 Nut

59 Wheel

60 Side plate

61 Shaft

62 Side plate

63 Wheel assembly (third embodiment)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a first top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position. As shown in this figure, the invention comprises a non-telescoping frame 1, a main arm 2, two pivot arms 3, and two brace arms 4. The non-telescoping frame preferably comprises a rectangular perimeter frame 5, one or more forklift pockets 6, one or more longitudinal skids 7, and a cable tray 8. The purpose of the cable tray 8 is to hold the electric and communications cabling 9. As used herein, the term “rectangular” also means square.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 incorporates a power (motor) actuation system. The power actuation system comprises an electric motor 10 with a linear actuator 11. In a preferred embodiment the inventors used a custom-built linear actuator specifically manufactured by Venture Mfg. Co. (of Dayton, Ohio) for the present invention. The actuator 11 is used to push the main arm 2 out (i.e., extend it) and pull it in (i.e., retract it). An alternate embodiment in which a manual actuation system is used is shown in FIGS. 27-29.

The non-telescoping frame 1 further comprises two attachment arms 12, which provide an attachment point for the pivot arms 3, as shown in detail in subsequent figures. The two attachments arms 12 are oriented laterally (relative to the non-telescoping frame 1), and they are each situated an equal distance inside of the lateral ends of the perimeter frame 5. The skids 7 are preferably oriented longitudinally (relative to the non-telescoping frame 1), and they are situated underneath the rectangular perimeter frame 5. The skids 7 are used to transport the structure that is installed on top of the present invention. The forklift pockets 6 are preferably oriented laterally (relative to the non-telescoping frame 1), and are situated between the rectangular perimeter frame 5 and the skids 7. Similarly, the attachment arms 12 are preferably situated between the rectangular perimeter frame 5 and the skids 7. The purpose of the forklift pockets 6 is to allow a forklift to lift the frame (and whatever structure is installed upon it).

As used herein, the term “lateral” or “laterally” means in the direction indicated with X's on FIG. 1. The term “longitudinal” or “longitudinally” means in the direction indicated with Y's on FIG. 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 11 extends laterally through the center of the non-telescoping frame 1. The actuator 11 is secured on one end (the end opposite the motor 10) to a center bracket 17 that is also attached to the main arm 2 and that extends downward from the center of the main arm 2. The cabling 9 is protected by cable tubing 13 that extends laterally between the non-telescoping frame 1 and the main arm 2. The cable tubing 13 extends laterally from the cable tray 8, which can be situated anywhere on the non-telescoping frame 1.

The main arm 2 is parallel to the longitudinal sides of the perimeter frame 5. The main arm 2 is attached at its center to the center bracket 17. On either end of the main arm 2 is a roller wheel 14 (see FIG. 2) that travels along (in a lateral direction) the top surface of the pivot arm 3 (which acts as a rail) when the pivot arm 3 is fully extended (as shown in FIGS. 1-9). The two brace arms 4 maintain the pivot arms 3 at ninety (90)-degree angles to the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5. The present invention is not limited to any particular shape of the non-rectangular frame as long as it has at least one longitudinal side 5 a that is straight.

FIG. 2 is a second top perspective view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position. In this view, the roller wheels 14 are visible. They are not visible in FIG. 1 because of the stops 15 on the end of each pivot arm 3. These stops 15 extend upward from the pivot arm 15 on the distal-most end of the pivot arm (i.e., the end opposite the end that attaches to the attachment arm 12). The point at which the pivot arm 3 attaches to the attachment arm 12 is a pivot point, as described more fully below. FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position.

In FIGS. 4-6, the roller wheels 14 have moved along the pivot arms 3 to the hallway point between the stop 15 on one end of the pivot arm 3 and the end of the pivot arm 3 that is attached to the attachment arm 12 (at the pivot point). As the roller wheels 14 move along the pivot arms 3 toward the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5, the main arm 2 also moves closer (and in parallel to) the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5. As this happens, the cable tubing 13 is retracted into the cable tray 8, and the actuator 11 also retracts.

Note that the brace arms 4 are still in the brace position as the main arm 2 retracts (i.e., moves toward the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5). As shown in FIG. 5, each pivot arm 3 preferably comprises a V-shaped under-support 3 a that provides added strength arm stability for the pivot arm 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the main arm preferably comprises a saddle bracket 16 attached on the inside of the main arm 2 at the center of the main arm 2. The saddle bracket 16 is used to install a structure on top of the main arm 2 (as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31).

In FIGS. 7-9, the roller wheels 14 have moved all the way along the pivot arms 3 to a point that is nearly, but not exactly, on top of the pivot point between the pivot arm 3 and the attachment arm 12. At this juncture, the main arm 2 is slightly above and adjacent to (i.e., just outside of) the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5. The brace arms 4 may now be removed and stored in a transport position. The brace arms 4 must be removed in order to pivot the pivot arms 3 inward (i.e., toward the main arm 2).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the brace arm of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the brace arm 4 preferably comprises three extensions—one in the center of the brace arm 4 a and one on either end of the brace arm 4 b, 4 c. Although these extensions are shown in the figures as downwardly extending, they could also be upwardly extending.

FIG. 10A is a detail perspective view of the brace arm in a brace position. As shown in this figure, when the brace arm 4 is in a brace position, the extension 4 a on one end of the brace arm 4 is positioned inside of a receptacle 19 on the inside of the pivot arm 3, roughly in the center of the pivot arm 3. The extension 4 b on the other end of the brace arm 4 is positioned inside of a receptacle 19 on the outside edge of the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5. The extension 4 a in the center of the brace arm 4 is not used in this position.

FIG. 10B is a detail perspective view of the brace arm removed mom the brace position. As shown in this figure, to remove the brace arm 4, simply lift the two end extensions 4 b, 4 c out of the receptacles 19 and lift the brace arm 4 upward.

FIG. 10C is a detail perspective view of the brace arm in a transport position. In this position, the center extension 4 a is placed into the same receptacle 19 that housed the end extension 4 c when the brace arm 4 was in a brace position. In the transport position, the brace arm 4 is stowed up against the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the present invention with the pivot arms at a forty-five (45)-degree angle relative to the main arm. Once the brace arms 4 have been stowed in the transport position, the pivot arms 3 can be rotated (or pivoted) toward the main arm 2. As noted above, the point at which the pivot arm 3 connects to the attachment arm 12 is a pivot point. This pivot point is shown in detail in FIGS. 18-26 and 33-34. As the pivot arm 3 is rotated inward (toward the main arm 2) at the pivot point on the attachment arm 12, the roller wheel 14, which sits on top of the pivot arm 3 on the end closest to the attachment arm 12, also pivots. Specifically, the roller wheel bracket 14 a comprises an upwardly extending pin 14 b that is inserted into a hole 2 a on either end of the main arm 2 (see FIG. 35); this pin 14 b rotates within the hole 2 a (and the sleeve 23 above the hole 2 a) so that the roller wheel 14 can turn with the pivot arm 3 but rotate relative to the main arm 2. FIG. 12 is a top view of the present invention with the pivot arms at a forty-five (45)-degree angle relative to the main arm.

FIGS. 13 and 14 shrew the pivot arms in a fully retracted position; that is, each pivot arm 3 has been fully rotated (at the pivot point on the attachment arm 12) so that the pivot arms 3 now lie directly underneath the main arm 2. Both the main arm 2 and the pivot arms 3 are now parallel with the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5.

FIG. 15 is a detail perspective view of the pivot arms stowed on the center bracket of the main arm. As shown in this figure, when the pivot arms 3 are in a fully retracted or stowed position, the distal ends of the pivot arms 3 are placed on top of supporting brackets 17 a that extend laterally from the center bracket 17. A pin or bolt 18 is then inserted through a hole in the distal end of the pivot arm 3 and also through the supporting bracket 17 a to hold the pivot arm 3 in place.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the pivot arm of the present invention. As noted above, the distal end of each pivot arm 3 preferably comprises an upwardly extending stop 15 that prevents the roller wheel 18 from traveling off the distal end of the pivot arm 3. This figure also shows the V-shaped under-support 3 a and receptacle 19 mentioned above. The proximal end of the pivot arm preferably comprises a downwardly extending threaded bolt 20 and out 21, which surrounds the bolt 20. This bolt 20 is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the pivot arm 3 (see FIGS. 19-23 and 25-26), and it extends into a sleeve 22 in the attachment arm 12 (see FIGS. 33 and 34). The nut 21 can be raised or lowered on the bolt 20 to raise or lower the vertical position of the pivot arm 3 relative to the attachment arm 5.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the roller wheel and roller wheel bracket of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 35, the upwardly extending pin 14 b is inserted into a hole 2 a on the underside of the end of the main arm 2 and is allowed to rotate freely within a sleeve 23 located just above the hole 2 a. As shown in this figure, the roller wheel 14 rotates about an axle 14 c that is secured to the roller wheel bracket 14 a with a nut 21.

FIG. 18 is a detail side view of the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm shown with the pivot arm fully extended, and FIG. 19 is a section view of the pivot point shown in FIG. 18 (taken at A-A). As shown in FIG. 18, the pivot point at the top of the roller wheel 14 (i.e., the upwardly extending pin 14 b) is offset vertically from the pivot point at the bolt 20 between the attachment arm 12 and the pivot arm 3.

FIG. 20 is a detail side view of the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm shown with the pivot arm at a forty-five (45)-degree angle relative to the main arm, and FIG. 21 is a section view of the pivot point shown in FIG. 20 (taken at B-B). At this stage, the upwardly extending pin 14 b is nearly vertically aligned with the bolt 20.

FIG. 22 is a detail side view of the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm shown with the pivot arm fully retracted/stowed, and FIG. 23 is a section view of the pivot point shown in FIG. 22 (taken at C-C). At this stage, the upwardly extending pin 14 b is vertically aligned with the bolt 20. Thus, as the distal end of the pivot arm 3 is rotated inward (toward the center bracket 17), the upper and lower pivot points align (that is, the upwardly extending pin 14 b and the bolt 20), and the main arm 2 is tightened up against the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5.

FIG. 24 is a detail perspective view of the pivot point shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, FIG. 25 is a detail perspective view of the pivot point shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, and FIG. 26 is a detail perspective view of the pivot point shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Note that in FIG. 24, the brace arm 4 is in a brace position, whereas in FIGS. 25 and 26, the brace arm 4 is in a stowed position.

FIGS. 27-29 are a first top perspective view, a second top perspective view, and a top view, respectively, of the present invention shown with the main arm in a fully extended position and with a manual actuation system. The only difference between these figures and FIGS. 1-3 is that the motor 10 and actuator 11 have been replaced with a lateral tube 24 and a lateral rectangular conduit 25. The lateral tube 24 extends from the center bracket 17 to the lateral rectangular conduit 25, which extends from one longitudinal side of the perimeter frame 5 to the other. The lateral rectangular conduit 25 houses a threaded lateral receptacle (not shown) into which is received the lateral tube 24, which is also preferably threaded. In this manner, the main arm 2 (and roller wheels 14) can be moved toward or away from the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5 by rotating the lateral tube 24 in one direction or the other.

FIG. 30 is a first bottom perspective view, and FIG. 31 is a second bottom perspective view, of the present invention shown with a structure on top of it. As shown in these figures, one half of the structure (in this case, a portable home) is installed on top of the non-telescoping frame 1. The other half of the structure (the telescoping part) is installed onto the main arm 2 via the saddle bracket 16. This half of the structure telescopes into the first half of the structure (on top of the non-telescoping frame 1) as the main arm 2 is moved toward the longitudinal side 5 a of the perimeter frame 5.

FIG. 32 is a detail perspective view of the roller wheel on the pivot arm with the main arm in a fully extended position. This figure shows more clearly the stop 15 at the distal end of the pivot arm 3.

FIG. 33 is a detail perspective view of the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm shown with the pivot arm fully extended. This figure clearly shows the sleeve 22 in the attachment arm 12.

FIG. 34 is a detail bottom perspective view of the present invention showing the pivot point between the attachment arm and the pivot arm. In this figure, the brace arm 4 is in a stowed position, and the pivot arm 3 is fully extended. Note that if necessary, the bolt 20 may extend through a hole 12 a in the bottom of the attachment arm 12.

The foregoing figures depict a typical configuration of the present invention in which the rectangular perimeter frame 5 is roughly sixteen (16) feet long; however, the present invention can be scaled to accommodate configurations in which the rectangular perimeter frame 5 is up to sixty (60) feet long or longer. This is accomplished by adding pivot arms 3 and actuators 11. FIGS. 36-41 illustrate alternate embodiments of the present invention in which there are at least three pivot arms 3 and at least two actuators 11. All other details of the invention remain the same as described above.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the present invention with three pivot arms and two actuators. FIG. 37 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 36. In this embodiment, the overall length of the rectangular perimeter frame 5 has been doubled (as compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1) by adding a single pivot arm 3 and actuator 11.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the present invention with four pivot arms and two actuators. FIG. 39 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 38. In this embodiment, an additional eight feet in length of the rectangular perimeter frame 5 has been gained by adding another pivot arm 4 over the embodiment shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the present invention with four pivot arms and three actuators. FIG. 41 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 40. In this embodiment, the overall length of the rectangular perimeter frame 5 has been tripled (as compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1) by adding two more pivot arms 4 and two more actuators 11.

The actuation system shown in FIGS. 36-41 is the power actuation system described above in connection with FIGS. 1-26; however, these alternate embodiments may also be used with the manual actuation system described in connection with FIGS. 27-29. In the latter embodiments (that is, with the manual actuation system), the motor 10 and actuator 11 shown in FIGS. 36-41 are replaced with a lateral tube 24 and a lateral rectangular conduit 25, as shown in FIGS. 27-29.

FIGS. 42-49 illustrate a series of alternate embodiments in which there is no rectangular perimeter frame. Instead, there is a longitudinal surface 26 in lieu of the longitudinal side 5 a of the rectangular perimeter frame 5. (Note that the longitudinal surface may be flat or curved, beveled, rounded, etc.; the only criterion is that the attachment arms 12 must be able to attach to it.) These embodiments—shown with varying numbers of pivot arms and actuators—may be used where there is an existing frame (for example, on a semi-trailer) to which the longitudinal surface 26 is secured (as in bolted, welded, etc.). Note that the attachment arms 12 are considerably shorter than in the previously described embodiments (with the rectangular perimeter frame). The invention operates in all respects as described above in connection with the preceding embodiments.

FIGS. 50-55 show the present invention with a first embodiment of a wheel assembly to assist in moving the non-telescoping frame 1. As stated above and shown in FIGS. 1-9, 10A-14, 27-31, 34 and 36-41, the non-telescoping frame 1 comprises skids 7 that extend longitudinally from one end to the other of the non-telescoping frame 1. These skids 7 form the underside or underbelly of the non-telescoping frame 1 such that when the non-telescoping frame 1 is placed onto the ground, only the bottom surface of the skids 7 is actually in contact with the ground surface. On the end of each skid 7 is a loop member 27 (see FIG. 51) to which the first embodiment of the wheel assembly 28 attaches. In a preferred embodiment, the loop member 27 is welded onto the top of the end of the skid 7 and also onto the side of the attachment arm 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 50 is a top perspective view of the present invention with the first embodiment of the wheel assembly. (Note that the invention in this figure is in the same collapsed position as shown in FIG. 13.) As explained in connection with subsequent figures, the wheel assembly 28 is removably attached to the non-telescoping frame 1. For this reason, it is possible to attach two wheel assemblies 28 (preferably on the same side of the non-telescoping frame 1) or four wheel assemblies 23 (as shown in FIG. 50) to the non-telescoping frame 1.

FIG. 51 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the wheel assembly. As shown in this figure, the wheel assembly 28 comprises a top plate 29 and a bottom plate 30 through which a pin 31 extends. The wheel assembly 28 slides onto the loop member 27 such that the bottom plate 30 rests on top of the loop member 27. The pin 31 is preferably long enough to extend past the bottom of the loop member 27, as shown. When the wheel assembly 28 is installed, the pin 31 is situated inside of the front of the loop member 27 to prevent the wheel assembly 28 from falling off of the loop member 27. In other words, the wheel assembly 28 cannot move forward relative to the loop member 27 without the pin 3 hitting the inside of the loop member 27.

The wheel assembly 28 further comprises two side walls 32. A roller wheel 33 is situated between the two side walls 32 and rotates on a shaft (not shown). Note that the space between the roller wheel 33 and the underside of the bottom plate 30 must provide enough clearance for the loop member 27. To remove the wheel assembly 28 from the non-rectangular frame 1, the pin 31 is lifted upward (inside the space between the top plate 29 and the bottom plate 30) to allow the wheel assembly 28 to slide off of the loop member 27 (see FIG. 55). Note that the distance between the top plate 29 and the bottom plate 30 must be roughly equal to the height of the pin 31 in order for the pin to slide upward and not extend beyond the bottom surface of the bottom plate 30.

FIG. 52 is a side view of the present invention with the first embodiment of the wheel assembly. This figure illustrates that the wheel assembly 28 is configured so that when the non-rectangular frame 1 is placed onto the ground, only the roller wheels 33 (and not the bottom surface of the skids 7) are in actual contact with the ground surface. This is due to the height of the side walls 32 of the wheel assembly 28 relative to the height of the skid 7.

FIG. 53 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention with the first embodiment of the wheel assembly. Although only two skids 7 are shown, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of skids or, for that matter, wheel assemblies 28.

FIG. 54 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the wheel assembly. (Note that the side wall 32 closest to the viewer has been removed for clarity.) As shown in this figure, the rear-most end 34 of the wheel assembly 28 abuts up against the attachment arm 12, which prevents the wheel assembly 28 from moving further backward on the loop member 27. Note that the pin 31 extends downward on the inside of the loop member 27 and in front of the skid 7.

FIGS. 56-61 show the present invention with a second embodiment of a wheel assembly to assist in moving the non-telescoping frame 1. This embodiment differs from the first wheel assembly embodiment in that the wheel is rotatable, and the wheel assembly is attached to a handle that allows the wheel to be rotated.

FIG. 56 is a top perspective view of the present invention with the second embodiment of the wheel assembly. For ease of illustration, this figure shows the first embodiment of the wheel assembly 28 attached to the two ends of the skids 7 on the left-hand side of the figure and the second embodiment of the wheel assembly 35 attached to the two ends of the skids 7 on the right-hand side of the figure. Note that the handle 36 is optional (removable) so that one could attach two rotatable wheel assemblies to the same side of the non-rectangular frame 1 with a handle 36 attached to only one of them, if desired.

FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the wheel assembly. This embodiment of the wheel assembly 35 comprises a top plate 37, an intermediate plate 38, a bottom plate 39, and a rotatable housing 40. A pin 41 extends through the intermediate plate 38. The top plate 37, intermediate plate 38 and bottom plate 39 are surrounded on the sides by side plates 62, as shown. To install the wheel assembly 35, the wheel assembly 35 is slid onto the loop member 27 so that the loop member 27 is situated between the intermediate plate 38 and the bottom plate 39 (see FIG. 61). The pin 41 extends downward just inside of the front end of the loop member 27, as described in connection with the first embodiment of the wheel assembly 28.

A roller wheel 42 is situated between the two side walls 43 of the rotatable housing 40. The roller wheel 42 rotates on a shaft (not shown). The rotatable housing 40 is connected to the bottom and intermediate plates 39, 38 by a bolt 44 that functions as a rotating shaft. A washer (not shown) is preferably situated between the top surface of the rotatable housing 40 and the bottom surface of the bottom plate 39. Note that the bolt 44 must be situated forward of the pin 41 in order for wheel assembly 35 to be removed.

FIG. 58 is a side view of the present invention with the second embodiment of the wheel assembly. This figure illustrates that the wheel assembly 35 is configured so that when the non-rectangular frame 1 is placed onto the ground, only the roller wheels 34 (and not the bottom surface of the skids 7) are in actual contact with the ground surface. This is due to the overall height of the wheel assembly 35 relative to the height of the skid 7.

FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention with the second embodiment of the wheel assembly. As shown in this figure, the roller wheel 42 may be rotated as desired to effect a change in directional movement of the non-rectangular frame 1.

FIG. 60 is a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment of the wheel assembly. This figure shows in particular how the handle 36 is attached to the wheel assembly 35. The rotatable housing 40 preferably comprises two openings 45 (see FIG. 57) frontward of the roller wheel 42 through which a hitch pin 46 extends. The handle 36 comprises a sleeve (labeled as 36 in FIG. 60) that surrounds the central portion of the hitch pin 43. To remove the handle, the hitch pin 46 is disengaged from the rotatable housing 40.

As with the first embodiment of the wheel assembly, the pin 41 prevents the wheel assembly 35 from moving forward on the loop member 27. In addition, the rear-most end 47 of the wheel assembly 35 abuts up against the attachment arm 12, which prevents the wheel assembly 35 from moving further backward on the loop member 27 (see FIG. 61).

FIGS. 62-64 illustrate a third embodiment of the wheel assembly. This embodiment is meant to accommodate larger wheels while still maintaining roughly the same distance between the bottom surface of the skid 7 and the button of the wheel 59. The wheel assembly 63 attaches to the non-telescoping frame 1 in the same manner as described above relative to the first and second embodiments of the wheel assembly; that is, a box comprising a bottom plate 48 and a top plate 49 (as well as two side plates 60) is inserted into a space between the lateral side of the perimeter frame 5 b and the loop member 27 (which is situated on top of an end of the skid 7) such that the bottom plate 48 rests on top of the loop member 27. A pin 31 extends through the bottom plate 48 and behind the front end of the loop member 27 to prevent the wheel assembly from slipping forward on the loop member 27.

What is different about this third embodiment of the wheel assembly as compared to the previous two wheel assembly embodiments is that the front ends of the top and bottom plates 48, 49 and side plates 60 are welded to a vertical plate 50, one end of which is welded to a first horizontal plate 51 that extends rearward of the vertical plate 50 toward the front end of the skid 7, as shown in FIGS. 63 and 64. A gusset 52 is welded to the center of the top portion of the vertical plate 50. Horizontal plate 51 is also welded to the bottom of side plates 60. A second hormonal plate 53 (which is also welded to the vertical plate 50) is positioned beneath the gusset 52 and extends forward of the vertical plate 50. The gusset adds structural integrity to prevent the second horizontal plate 53 from bending upward due to the weight of the non-telescoping frame 1.

A rotatable housing 54 comprising a ceiling plate 55 and two side walls 56 is rotatably attached to the second horizontal plate 53 via a bolt 57. One end of the bolt 57 is welded to the second horizontal plate 53, and the other end is secured with a nut 58 beneath the ceiling plate 55. A wheel 59 rotates on a shaft 61 that extends between the two side walls 56 of the rotatable housing 54. To remove the wheel assembly 63, the pin 31 is lifted upward between the bottom and top plates 48,49, as described in connection with previous embodiments.

The wheel assembly embodiment just described enables use of a larger wheel for applications in which a larger wheel is desired (for example, in rough terrain); however, due to the height added to the wheel assembly by the vertical plate 50, as noted above, the distance between the bottom of the wheel and the underside of the skid 7 is roughly the same as in the previous two wheel assembly embodiments.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A wheel assembly for use with a telescoping frame, the wheel assembly comprising a top plate and a bottom plate through which a pin extends; wherein the telescoping frame comprises at least one skid that extends longitudinally to form an underside of the non-telescoping frame; wherein a loop member is attached to a top end of the skid; wherein the wheel assembly slides onto the loop member with the bottom plate resting on top of the loop member; and wherein when the wheel assembly is installed, the pin is situated inside of a front end of the loop member to prevent the wheel assembly from moving forward on the loop member.
 2. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the loop member has a height, the wheel assembly further comprising a roller wheel and two side walls, the roller wheel rotating on a shaft that extends between the two side walls, wherein the side walls extend from the shaft to the top plate, wherein there is a distance between an underside of the bottom plate and a top surface of the roller wheel, and wherein the distance between the underside of the bottom plate and the top surface of the roller wheel is at least equal to the height of the loop member.
 3. A wheel assembly for use with a telescoping frame, the wheel assembly comprising a top plate, an intermediate plate through which a pin extends, and a bottom plate; wherein the telescoping frame comprises at least one skid that extends longitudinally to form an underside of the non-telescoping frame; wherein a loop member is attached to a top end of the skid; wherein the wheel assembly slides onto the loop member with the intermediate plate resting on top of the loop member; and wherein when the wheel assembly is installed, the pin is situated inside of a front end of the loop member to prevent the wheel assembly from moving forward on the loop member.
 4. The wheel assembly of claim 3, wherein the loop member has a height, the wheel assembly further comprising a rotatable housing that is rotatably connected to the bottom plate, the rotatable housing comprising a roller wheel and two side walls, the roller wheel rotating on a shaft that extends between the two side walls, wherein there is a distance between the intermediate place and the bottom plate, and wherein the distance between the intermediate plate and the bottom plate is at least equal to the height of the loop member.
 5. The wheel assembly of claim 4, further comprising a handle that is removably attached to the rotatable housing.
 6. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the top plate and the bottom plate comprises a front end, wherein the front ends of the top and bottom plates are attached to a vertical plate, and wherein a bottom end of the vertical plate is attached to a first horizontal plate that extends rearward of the vertical plate toward a front end of the skid.
 7. The wheel assembly of claim 6, further comprising a gusset that is attached to a center of a top portion of the vertical plate, and a second horizontal plate that is positioned beneath the gusset and extends forward of the vertical plate.
 8. The wheel assembly of claim 7, further comprising: a rotatable housing comprising a ceiling plate and two side walls, the rotatable housing being rotatably attached to the second horizontal plate; and a wheel that rotates on a shaft extending between the two side walls of the rotatable housing. 